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Breath-taking Jiu Zhai Gou

2008-04-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

I was in complete awe of this natural beauty that unfolded before me. Sure I have heard alot about Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan province, but it was captivating beyond what I have ever seen.
The crystal-clear water came in fascinating hues of blue, green, yellow, grey, with a tinge of red/brown somewhere, a sparkle of the sun, and the full reflection of the trees and hills -- breath-taking!

We took the walking trail most of the time; it led us to hidden jewels away from the crowd, and immersed us in clean fresh air! We calculated we actually walked for more than 10km over the 3 days! My only exercise for this year, nice, just before the year ends, at least I could say that I have exercised!

- Jiuzhaigou and Huang Long in Sichuan province of China , Sep07

Lasting Impression of Xian - China

2007-07-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

The capital of Shaanxi province, Xian is one of the birth places of the ancient civilization - 13 dynasties including Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang situated their capitals in Xian.

I have always wanted to visit Xian to view the magnificent Terracotta Warriors at the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Little did I know, this trip became an invaluable lesson for me on the Chinese history. Xian offers alot more than the Terracottas!

We also climbed Mt Huashan, one of the five best-known sacred mountains in China, famous for its breath-taking cliffs and dangerous climbs, it is also known as 'The Number One Precipitous Mountain under Heaven". With a phobia of heights, I was apprehensive about climbing Mt Huashan. But we managed to get pass the most precarious part - Chang Long Feng! The pathway sits on top of a narrow ridge, with steep cliffs on both sides! See the pix!

Within the city, the Shaanxi History Museum is a must see! We also checked out the City Wall (not as good as Pingyao, I must say). Interesting night scenes include the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (with a display of music fountain), Bell Tower, Muslim Street.

We were travelling with a cab driver for all 3 days, who introduced us to many interesting local Shaanxi cuisines - Hulu Tou, Qi Shan Mien, Xiang La Tang! Enjoyed all of them!

Hike up old Great Wall

2007-06-30T03:45:00.000-07:00

With the BJ Hikers, Cat, GS & I headed up to the Great Wall's Round Towers over the weekend. The round tower sits on the top of the mountain, where the mountain cantilevers over the valley. These towers were used as beacons at the end of the Wall, where the cliff face was so shear it could not continue. It took us 1hr 45 min to navigate the very steep paths to get to the top of the 700m tall mountainm, which look out over Miyun's reservoir (Beijing's largest) and across the mountains.

The hike downhill was through dirt paths, a Bamboo house and stone village to cold beers!

It was a good hike, afterwhich we headed out for a foot massage and had to put up with a few days of aching muscles!

We also befriended another hiker and caught up for dinner day after!

SH beauty - Xitang, Tongli Old Water Towns

2007-05-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

The world is filled with astonishing occurrences of coincidence. It happened to me just recently, which led me to SH and met up with 2 pals whom I have not kept in touch very much over the last few years. A tiring weekend, nevertheless, a very enjoyable one.

KH, not one whom I know to cook, whipped out a very delicious meal for us! Perhaps getting a balance back into his life after quitting his tiring job, has given him a chance to explore other joys in life! :) And Nance, had to put up with him for messing her kitchen and apartment! ;)

We visited 2 very beautiful old water towns, about 1.5 hrs ride from Shanghai - Xitang and Tongli. Though these 2 towns are beginning to lose their authenticity, with commercialism creeping up in many corners, but still exquisite compared to their more commercialised counterparts - Zhou(1) Zhuang(1) and Zhu(1) Jia(1) Jiao(3). A must for everyone who has a chance to explore a couple more days during your visit to Shanghai.

Xitang - Xi(1) Tang (2) - this is where Mission Impossible 3 was filmed. It is more beautiful in the late afternoon to early evening, when the red lanterns that lined the street/river lights up, adding an authentic feel to the place. We spent about 2-3 hours here, before leaving at 8.30pm to Tongli.

Tongli - Tong(2) Li(3) - unlike other water towns which have a key canal or many canals and bridges criss-crossing the town, Tongli has more differing historical sites to visit - beautiful gardens, collection of wooden carvings and many more... We stayed in an exquisite 3-star hotel - Shi(4) De(2) Tang(2), inside the Tongli town itself, which offers basic ammenities but very clean rooms, friendly service and good food. We arrived late at night, around 10pm, but the kitchen prepared food for us... and a late breakfast too! I love this service! This is a far more ideal place to stay, compared to the other 5 star hotels which are located a distance from the town. The next morning, we stepped out of the hotel onto one of the key attractions of the town - Ming Qing Street where you find architecture dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties!

To Russia, with love

2007-05-05T20:17:00.000-07:00

St Petersburg - Parade Square & The Hermitage

Moscow - St Basil Cathedral & the Kremlin @ The Red Square

Another trip with mom!

Russia, the largest country in the world, and by far, one of the most beautiful European country that I have visited! A short trip, we only managed to cover Moscow and St Petersburg. I had wanted to do the Trans-Siberia trip but perhaps I will save that for another time. My deepest impressions of Russia are: the carnival of onion domes, the church architecture, Kremlin, the russian cabbage soup which we have at every meal, the Hermitage museum, and most of all, the awesome Moscow's metro stations!

I really enjoyed these trips with mom! Since staying away from home, I really missed my family and look for every opportunity to spend time with dad and mom especially.

Other thoughts:
When was the last time you closely observed your parents' faces - and I don't mean look, but noticing every detail on their faces?

I have never done it, until the day I sat next to my dad in the Peking Union Hospital - Xie(2) He(2) in Jan 2006. I still recalled how sick and how frail dad was, and when the doctors told me how bad his condition was, I could not stop crying and at that moment, was the first time ever I took a long look at my dad and noticed how he has aged. I really thank God for pulling dad and the family close together and through this very difficult period. Praise God that my dad is now healed though significantly weaker, and he also came to believe in God!

Now, I make it every effort to closely look at my dad's and mom's faces everytime I am home. Though I can tell how much they aged, I wish I can forever behold the beauty of my parents that compasses not only their features, but their lives, their hardships and most of all, their love for us. We can never out-give our parents what they have taken their lifetime to give to us! How I love them!

"Yet God so loved the world, that He sent His only son to die for our sins, that those who believe in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16)

Spongebob Square Pants!

2007-04-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

This is my favourite Finance Director in a Spongebob Square Pants suit @ HK Rugby 7s! Not your usual expectation of a FD, but this dude is real cool! I am going to miss him now that he has been transferred out of China.

CNY Fireworks Away!

2007-03-04T21:33:00.000-08:00

We had a blast!

This is the 2nd time we are playing with fireworks this CNY!

The first time was before we left for CNY holiday. Back then, Piak and GS bought a carload of fireworks, and we drove out to 5th ring area for our free play. That was very fun, far better than what bro and I played last year. There were all sorts of fireworks - my favourite was the "flying bee", after lighting these, fling them into the air and it will fly a distance before lighting up into a mini firework.

But this time, an ambitious Cat progressed to the "Li(2) Hua(1) Tan(4)!! Just heard in the news that a guy had blasted off his arm while playing one of these last week! I was very apprehensive! These Li Hua Tan are shaped like gigantic mushrooms, the size of a pomelo, and requires a launcher to blast them into the air, exploding into a lovely firework display! Yes just like a rocket launcher!

We had to find a very secluded spot outside 5th ring road. Wang shifu found us a perfect spot and we managed to stabilise the launcher over a tree stump. The impact was so great that it created a small crater around the tree stump! There was also a faulty one, which exploded mid-way in the air, sending shock waves which we could even feel though we ran a long distance away!

Prefer to stick to the safer options!

Harbin, China

2007-02-10T21:59:00.000-08:00

I have been talking about wanting to go Harbin this winter to my Sales Director. Harbin is his hometown. And thanks to him for making my dream come true, we were in Harbin for our NPD launch at the National Sales Conference. We aslo visited the Harbin Snow-carved City and skiing!

A victim to global warming, the usually cold Harbin only had 2 snowfalls this year, and an unusual warm temperature, averaging about 9 degrees in early Feb, though it was -20 degrees same time last year!

Team Building in Zhuhai & Macau!

2007-01-15T06:23:00.000-08:00

We had our first team building at Zhuhai, and crossed-over to Macau for a day trip!

The guys tried their luck at the gambling table, while the ladies went shopping! Everyone was satisfied!

Other thoughts:
Did you know that sometimes what we're good at is actually the thing we don't pay as much attention to (because we're good at it). Instead, we pay attention to the things that we're bad at (because were bad at them). As a result, at a certain point our strengths become our weaknesses because we neglect them.

Lu Gou Qiao, China

2006-11-11T05:24:00.000-08:00

Lu Gou Qiao - Marco Polo Bridge - it is said that this is the oldest bridge in Beijing. A historical bridge where a full scale war from Japan was launched. It was said that the bridge is lined by 485 carved stone lions, and each carving is different. At each side of the bridge, are carved inscriptions by Emperor Qianlong. Clearly, some of the stone lions have been restored, but the grey cobbled walk-way and remnants of the multiple bullet holes are authentic.

Other than this one bridge, there is really nothing much to see around this area. Not a must-see in Beijing, only if you have the time to travel about 30-40 minutes each way to the bridge. And time spent at the bridge is less than 40 minutes to stroll across and back, with photo-taking.

Diao Yu Tai in BJ

2006-11-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

Management conference this year was held at a villa situated at the foot of Fragrance Hill.
It was a very secluded and serene environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Some of us also took a climb up the Fragrance Hill, while the lazy ones took the cable car ride!

Highlight of the conference was a dinner at Diao(4) Yu(2) Tai(2). Enclosed in a very well-guarded compound, the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse is reserved for the exclusive use of foreign dignitaries, accessible only through a private-use highway which is off-limits to the regular urban traffic. A very rare opportunity, thanks to our GM and a very resourceful RA mgr who knows the right people to arrange for this elaborate dinner celebrations. Many of the locals have not even been here, or will never get a chance to come in their lifetime, the same goes for me!

Japan with mom!

2006-10-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

Wanted to take mom on a trip, and our plan was to go Egypt, but as there were no suitable travel dates with the agencies, we decided to settle for Japan. Very rushed trip, but quality time with mom! I particularly enjoyed the dips in the hot springs with mom!

Pingyao - China

2006-08-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

Pingyao, in Shan(1)xi(1) - is a traditional Han Chinese town, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
GS, Cat n I took a weekend trip to Pingyao. Thanks to Karen, who gave us travel info and suggestions. Via the email, we made bookings at the Tian(1) Yuan(2) Kui(2) hotel in Pingyao, which also arranged for a car to pick us up at the airport.

We took an early flight out from Beijing to Taiyuan aiport in Shanxi. On-route to Pingyao, we got the car driver to stop by Qiao Courtyard House - Qiao(2) Jia(1) Yuan(4), where Zhang Yimou's "Raise the Red Lantern" was filmed. Then we drove for another 2 hrs to Pingyao, before checking into Tian Yuan Kui court-yard style hotel. The rest of the day was spent exploring the well-preserved old town - including a Ming dynasty wall that surrounds the town, a yamen, a qian zhuang (money house), a wu guan (martial art school), courtyard houses, ancient temples etc. preserved just like in its hey days. The next morning, we hired another car from the hotel to Wang Courtyard House - Wang(2) Jia(1) Yuan(4), home of the Wang family - which at its peak had more than 1,000 male servants! This is a must-see if you are in Pingyao, far better than Qiao Courtyard house which only became a popular tourist spot after the movie and another local drama series. And it was definitely worth our while to get an interpreter, or we would not have fully appreciated the Wang Courtyard House.

Hangzhou, China

2006-07-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Spent a weekend exploring Hangzhou on my own - have been hearing so much about her beauty.

Started the day with a stop at Lei(2) Feng(1) Ta(3), where I got a spectacular view of the HZ Xihu (west lake) from the top. The cab driver drove me around the lake, and brought me up the Long(2) Jin(3) Shan(1) Zhuang(1), where I insisted on visiting as I wanted to visit the tea plantations! HZ is known for their Long Jin Xi Hu Tea, and I was determined to get some authentic tea! However, I was disappointed to only a small village at the top. Nevertheless, a "kind" village lady brought me to a small tea plantation by the back of the village where I got a spectacular view of the vast tea plantations on the Shi(1) Feng(1) hill in a distance. I was told that this is where the real quality tea leaves are picked, better than the ones around the Xihu area. We chatted for a quite a long time as she explained to me the tea picking seasons and how to pick the right leaves, then invited me to her place for some tea. Her family supplies tea to some of the tea houses in the city, so I thought I would buy some tea from her. I spent more than S$250 buying high quality tea to give to boss, family, relatives and friends. But realised later from my Sales manager that I can get daily drinking tea leaves for about S$25 for 250g at the wholesale market in the city. Thinking that I got cheater and determined to recoup my losses, I bought more "low quality" tea at the wholesale market the day after! But thought I could taste a difference in the different grades of tea, or maybe its all psychological!

For dinner, I wanted to try the reknown dishes at teh Lou(2) Wai(4) Lou(2), so I set out on foot around the lake to the resturant. I could not resist ordering the "Jiao(4) Ji(1)" - beggar's chicken, and the "Dong(1) Po(1) Rou(1)" - stewed meat with fatty layers! The people at the next table was staring at me, probably shocked that I alone ordered 3 dishes, certainly I did not get to finish all the food, since they did not allow for orders of half-chicken! After dinner, I took more stroll around the river, wanting to enjoy the night views of the lake. Beautiful!

Early the next morning, I jumped onto a boat which cruised around the lake and also the oppotunity to explore the various man-made "islands" in the middle of the lake. It started to drizzle a little, but added a very Shi(1) Qin(2) Hua(4) Yi(4) feel to it! I imagined days of old when people playing qin(a Chinese music instrument) and writing shi (poem)!

Inner Mongolia, China

2006-07-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Cat n I took our first weekend trip with Chinese Culture Club (CCC) to Inner Mongolia. Though more expensive than DIYs, as CCC is catered mainly to the expat community and travellers looking for planned/organized trips around Beijing/China, it took the hassle of planning out of our busy schedules.

We stayed at the Hui(4) Teng(2) Xi(1) Le(4) grassland, though we did not get a chance to stay in a yurt. The vast grassland and hordes of horses and cows, reminded me of a Meng Niu advertisement on the billboards which I pass by everyday on my way to work!

As you arrive, the locals will offer you a cup of white wine, and as the highest gesture of their hospitality, they will also roast a whole lamb for you. Not fond of lamb meat at all, I stuck with the veggies! Pretty good!

Spring in Bei Da - Beijing University

2006-04-10T05:53:00.000-07:00

A few of us made our way to the west side, many of us, for the first time!

You see, our lives literally revolve in the east side of Beijing - Chao Yang district - where our homes and offices are, even our fave eateries and shopping spots! So getting out to the west side of the city is an adventure in itself! Now that Spring is in the air, we decided to visit the acclaimed Beijing (Peking) University - Bei(3) Da(4), which was easily accessible by the subway. The journey took about 40 minutes, nevertheless, a worthwhile trip.

Very few ex-pats are aware that the campus of Beijing University is as beautiful as an imperial garden. We entered through the East gate, and took a stroll through its grounds. There were traditional houses, and even a lake and a pagoda! The University also owns an excellent Arthur M.Sackler Museum of Art and Archaeology, but we did not get to visit, perhaps another time then!

Nearby is the Tsinghua University - Qing(1) Hua(2).

As Cas happened to be in town, I got her to come out to meet my friends and I in the west! It was a good catching up at an Indian food joint which Nic recommended. Nic, our food gourmet, never fails us!

Here are some pics taken at the Weiming Lake in the campus of Peking University:

Sakura! @ Yu Yuan Tan in BJ

2006-03-25T06:11:00.000-08:00

Spring's in! Sakura and colourful wind-wheels too! I want a BEE!
Also bought for my Godsons, guess you don't easily find this in Singapore!

Family's CNY reunion in Beijing

2006-03-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

I really thank God for bringing us our family through this very tough period. I have much to thank God for - for healing my dad, for my dad's salvation, and for bringing our family very close together.

Dad and brother came over and spent Christmas with me, the second time since I arrived in Beijing. It is really good to have dad & bro here during this time when most of my friends are back home celebrating Christmas with their family or on xmas holidays.

Brother left earlier, while dad stayed on. But he fell very ill, and had to spend 2 months in the ICU. The doctors prepared me for the worst, and mom & bro decided to fly over cos the burden was too much for me to bear alone. I thank God for the friends and colleagues he rallied around me. For once, I really understood the significance of Guan(1) Xi(4) even in the hospital industry. Thankfully for Jessica, my regulatory manager, who knew many people, who knew even more significant individuals, my dad was well cared for. But we have never felt so helpless, as the doctors could not ascertain the bacteria that was causing his rapid spread of the puemonia and even had to put him on ventilator.

But thank God, the ordeal is behind us now, and his miraculous recovery also baffled the doctors cos of dad's old age. They said he was "lucky to have pick back his life", I say, "thank you Lord for healing daddy!" Dad also came to accept Christ as his personal Saviour! Praise God! Through this, our family also grew very close to each other as we come together daily in prayer for dad's recovery and also became a strong support for one another.

Having to spend CNY in Beijing this year, bro & I also decided to try out a couple of fireworks since this is also the first year that BJ authorities allowed fireworks within the 3rd ring road. We were delighted to have found a few small ones left at the roadside vendor, though these are nothing compared to the gallore of fireworks going off all around us on the eve of CNY! We were literally sprinting from one room to another to get our first eye-feasts of the beautiful fireworks in every direction as Beijingers were as eager to have their free play!

Autumn on Fragrance Hill in BJ

2005-10-30T06:54:00.000-08:00

I imagined seeing hills of red! But only got to see faint hues of red in a distance as we approach Fragrance Hiill. The red and yellow leaves have pretty much fallen by the pathway, but still there were hundreds of people trying to get up or down the hill, afterall, they have flocked this far hoping to grab a glimpse of the red leaves!!! Nevertheless, it was still a good stretch for a Sat afternoon. Sun, fresh air and exercise!

Beijing Hutong

2005-10-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

HY decided that we should do the tourist thing while we are still in Beijing, so we brought out our cameras, and Jen & I went along on a pedi-cab tricycle ride around the Hutongs of Beijing at Hou Hai.

Price was pretty steep at about RMB180 per person to go on one of these official rides. There are also locals trying to hawk their rides for only about RMB50-70, but they will only take you on a 15-30mins ride around the Hou Hai area. We got to see more with the official programme - rode around the back alleys of the Hutongs to see the real life of Beijingers, and even went in to visit one of the old courtyard houses to chat with the residents. We also scaled the steep steps up to the old bell tower at Nan Luo Gu Xiang, we also visited the Gong Qing Wang wangfu and were treated to a traditional chinese tea brewing session and tea sampling. In the evening, we decided to walk around the Hou Hai area and the Yan(1) Tai(4) Jie(1), soaking in the bustling activities of the residents doing all different trades and houseworks!

Here are some notes on Beijing Hutong:
Hutong is a unique form of community that exists only in China. "Hutong" literally means a small street or a lane between two courtyards. There are thousands of hutongs in Beijing City. Surrounding the Forbidden City, many were built during the Yuan (1206-1341), Ming(1368-1628) and Qing(1644-1908) dynasties. In the prime of these dynasties the emperors, in order to establish supreme power for themselves, planned the city and arranged the residential areas according to the etiquette systems of the Zhou Dynasty. The center of the city of Beijing was the royal palace -- the Forbidden City.

One kind of hutongs, usually referred to as the regular hutong, was near the palace to the east and west and arranged in orderly fashion along the streets. Most of the residents of these hutongs were imperial kinsmen and aristocrats. Another kind, the simple and crude hutong, was mostly located far to the north and south of the palace. The residents were merchants and other ordinary people.

The main buildings in the hutong were almost all quadrangles--a building complex formed by four houses around a quadrangular courtyard . The quadrangles varied in size and design according to the social status of the residents.

The big quadrangles of high- ranking officials and wealthy merchants were specially built with roof beams and pillars all beautifully carved and painted, each with a front yard and back yard. However, the ordinary people's quadrangles were simply built with small gates and low houses. hutongs, in fact, are passageways formed by many closely arranged quadrangles of different sizes. The specially built quadrangles all face the south for better lighting; as a result, a lot of hutongs run from east to west. Between the big hutongs many small ones went north and south for convenient passage.

Other thoughts:
Never a person to be fond of any trips to China in the past. If not for my job, I probably would still not have visited China! But my impression of China has changed completely since I arrived. Exploring around the old Beijing - Lao(2) Bei(3) Jing(1), the love for the country and culture has already been seeded in me. Somehow, I believe we are brought here for such a time as these. Not only what China has to offer us in terms of economic growth and business/job opportunities, but what can we offer to China and her people?

Hike up Wu Ling Shan in BJ

2005-09-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

It's Sat, and my only opportunity to enjoy a sleep in! But a persistent WL woked me up at 7am with numerous phone calls, with the intentiont to drag me out for a road-trip and hike up Wu Ling Shan!

God also has other plans for me, and certainly not to sleep in on this Sat. I am glad I went, not for the fact that I was the last one to make it up the hill (yes, it's time to get started on the gym... one of the frequent thought has crossed my mind), but the opportunity to get out of the city for a breath of fresh oxygen, and yes(!) to enjoy the blue sky and white clouds(!) which is a very rare sight in the polluted Beijing! And I believe, it is God's plan for Cat n I to finally meet each other, though I have heard about this friend of Adel's who have just arrived in BJ! Cat is now my best buddy in Beijing!

Packed into 2 cars, we took a 3-hr drive out of Beijing city. We stopped by a local eatery for lunch - better known as Nong(2) Jia(1) Cai(4) - translated as "farmers' dishes". We had "wild vegetables" - Ye(3) Cai(4) - which is not as tasty as the salty, oily dishes that we have gotten used to eating in Beijing, but certainly one up for health!

We finally started the climb up Wu Ling Shan at about 3pm. It was a rough climb up, and very soon, Alan n the rest were far ahead of us. But surely and slowly we got to the top! Thanks to WL n Cat for pacing me! :) The view from the top was breath-taking!

Other thoughts:
Have you ever faced a mountain that seemed impossible to overcome?

We face various mountains - work challenges, difficult relationships, stresses, and these don't seem to go away, reinforcing the fact that we are only human. I once read a book "Prayers to Move Your Mountains", and it reminded me that mountains are beneficial because they serve as reminders of our inability and God's ability. What kind of faith would we have if we never faced any challenges?

"God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20)

"For assuredly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I (Jesus) say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:22-24)

Sometimes I stumble upon the mountains in my life, but I know God directs my path :)

Here are some pics I managed to grab while taking breaks along the climb up Wu Ling Shan!

Godsons in BJ!

2005-06-30T06:33:00.000-07:00

My friends brought their children, my Godsons, to visit me in Beijing, and left behind wonderful and very treasured memories of our time spent exploring Beijing!

We took a 3-hr train ride out to Bei(3) Dai(4) He(2) to check out the "old dragon head" a term affectionately referring to the start of the Great Wall, and where the first gate is located - also called the "Tian(1) Xia(4) Di(4) Yi(1) Guan(1)". Part of it extends out to the sea, runs a short distance along the coast! We also spent some time at the beach and went on a sand slide!

Back in the Beijing city, we made our way to BJ Zoo - and though I was as excited as the boys to see live pandas, but these lazy bears were snoozing away! We also went apricot picking in one of the many fruit orchards in suburban Beijing. We went home with 2 basketfuls of apricots!Depending on the season, one can go apple and pear picking too!

Dad & Bro in BJ!

2004-12-30T06:57:00.000-08:00

When I first arrived in Beijing in Nov 2004, dad & mom were very anxious to see me settling in well. Afterall, this is the first time I am staying away from my family outside home country, and I am moving to a new job and environment without knowing anyone in Beijing.
So dad & bro came to visit, and helped me move into my first apartment!

It is also my first white Christmas, and first experience with the cold harsh winter in Beijing.
I still remembered the climb up Great Wall in the freezing temperatures and cold wind against my face! But being on the Great Wall, standing on a piece of magnificent history, is an unusual experience. I wondered how the soldiers survived the cold harsh siberian winter winds!? The brainchild of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who was probably one of the most, if not most, brutal king, also known for his reunification of China after 400 years of civil war, his great book burning and massacre of dissident scholars.

We also visited Tian(1) Tan(2) - Heavenly Temple, walked around the back streets of the Forbidden City and wandered around Shi(2) Sha(4) Hai(3) - a small lake next to Jing(3) Shan(1), where you can also see spectacular views of the Forbidden City from the top.
Being a skiing lover, brother got us out to a ski place about 1 hr drive from Beijing. Daddy's and my first attempts at skiing! I think we were pretty good!